December 2016 E-Newsletter
We’ve made it to December! Just when you thought the days couldn’t get any shorter, here comes the darkest month of the year. With the sun going down before 5 PM, getting to the garden during daylight hours can become quite the challenge. Luckily, the garden seems to take notice and at least the weeds have started to slow down. That said, don’t let the shorter days and cooler weather slow you down. Now the time to get things done: weed, mulch, give your tools a cleaning and a little oil. It’s so nice being able to push a wheelbarrow around the hills without dripping in sweat!
There are a lot of important things happening in December (hint: have you completed your service hours yet?), so make sure you read through the entire e-newsletter when you get a chance. Oh, and happy holidays!
Upcoming Garden Events:
Dec. 10 - Saturday Workday - 9:00 AM – Noon
Dec. 10 - Potluck Lunch - Noon
Dec. 10 - General Meeting - 1:00 PM
Dec. 10 - OVF Greenhouse Seedling Sale - 1:30 PM - Noon
Dec. 25 - Sunday Workday - 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Jan. 7 - Tree Pruning Class led by Tree People - 9:00AM - Noon
Spotted around the garden:
Featured Instagram Photo of the Month: Morning Dew on a Garden Rose
Useful info:
- Here are some general tips for gardening in December. If you are looking to increase your germination rates, you can cover your garden beds with clear plastic sheeting. For seedlings, you can also use empty plastic containers like soda bottles or gallon milk jugs to create mini hot houses. Just cut the bottom off the container and place the jug over the seedling. The spout on top should remain open to allow for some airflow. A strip of copper tape around the bottom of the container will add extra protection against snails.
- The OVF Winter Newsletter is out! If you haven’t read it yet, click here to see what you’re missing.
- Ever wanted to be a Master Gardener? The UC Master Gardener training program is now accepting applications for its 2017 classes. Applications are due by the first week of January.
- For those signed up for OVF e-renewal, please look for a plot renewal email the evening of January 10th. For those still using snail mail, expect to get your renewal letter a couple of days later. If you have not already enrolled in OVF e-renewal, you can sign up here. It’s faster and so much easier than getting a renewal letter! Also, don’t forget that the 2017 plot fee will be $59.
OVF Announcements:
Tree Pruning Workshop
OVF is excited to be hosting Linda Eremita, Tree People's Forestry Education Manager and certified Arborist, for a free tree pruning workshop on January 7th from 9AM-noon. The workshop will cover basic tree physiology, types of pruning cuts, when to prune, tree specific tips and more and will include hands on pruning demonstrations. The workshop is limited to 40 participants and is open to all members of the public. Please register as soon as possible to secure a spot.
Do You Know an OVF Gardener that Goes Above-and-Beyond?
Do you know an OVF Gardener who goes out of their way to make the garden great? We’d like to feature them in an upcoming newsletter. You can nominate your fellow gardeners on the OVF Website at any time.
Compost Volunteer Please Be On Time
We will no longer be able to give hours to compost volunteers who show up late. Please make sure you show up at 7am sharp! You can read more about the amazing composting crew on page two of the winter newsletter.
Hours
This is it! We’re down to the homestretch for 2016. Have you completed your service hours yet? If not, you better get cracking! There are only two workdays left between now and the end of the year to complete your service hours and one of them is on Christmas Day, for those who will be celebrating. Make sure to plan accordingly!
Compost Shredding – Every Tuesday 7 AM – 8:30 AM
Saturday Workday, December 10th - 9:00 AM to Noon
Sunday Workday, December 25th - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
As always: we want to hear from you! Send us an email, reach out on Facebook, or tag us on Instagram @oceanviewfarms.
That’s all for now. Happy gardening!